John Duval Wines was started by John Duval, who was winemaker at Penfolds for 29 years. Duval was at the helm of Penfolds winemaking team during the late 1980s and 1990s when Penfolds won numerous international awards for its outstanding Shiraz. He is also involved currently with winemaking ventures in Chile and Washington State. In 2003 he started his own label, focusing on Shiraz, Grenache, and red and white blends inspired by the wines of Rhone Valley. James Halliday has given the winery his highest rating of five stars and noted that Duval “is an internationally recognized winemaker.” The wines have earned ratings in the 90s.